(05 Aug 2015, 7:33 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Cheers. Stagecoach are a complete mystery to me because I've never had to rely on them. Last one I caught was a very uncomfortable 100 to the Metrocentre (parrot on my shoulder just "helpfully" reminded me we've caught the 685 from Hexham since then)

Ah, we'll forgive you... Stagecoach's output on service 685 is operated by Cumbria & North Lancashire, rather than North East!

Yes, the ADL Enviro300s on service 100 are built to facilitate as many passengers as possible. There's a huge lack of legroom because Stagecoach have cramped as many seats as possible in those vehicles. It's great when the ALX300s deputise for the ADL Enviro300s, as they're a bit more roomy.

I live in Sunderland, and I have to say that the gas buses are the best thing since sliced bread in terms of what Stagecoach has invested into. I would have liked to see double deckers in Sunderland as services 16 and 20 often have full loads (with services 3 and 13 not far behind), but the gas buses are (by and large) fit for purpose during the day. The gas buses are quiet, comfortable and offer free Wi-Fi. You know exactly what you're getting when you board one of those gas buses - and that's not from an enthusiast perspective either. They must be pretty damn good for the operator too, as Stagecoach regularly have spare gas buses after covering their PVR including vehicles VOR.